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Fashion

How to get a minimalist wardrobe

24th May, 2023

One of the best things about going into a boutique is just how amazing it feels to flick through the racks of a tightly edited collection. Being able to see everything at a glance, to have a certain level of airiness as you’re browsing is all part of the experience. And that’s also the beauty of having a minimalist wardrobe. Having a curated closet means that everything is considered, and that everything works well together. Doing this results in less wardrobe dilemmas and less stress in the morning as you’re not wading through piles of clothing trying to find something to wear. Also the funny thing with having less choice is that it often results in being able to pull more looks together. So, here’s how to get started.

Define your style

What’s your style? Confusion about what your personal aesthetic often makes it difficult to take a minimalist approach to your wardrobe simply because the parameters of what you can wear are just so big. By taking the time to define your style you’re more likely to be able to hone in on the pieces that definitely will and won’t work, in turn narrowing your closet down to the things that will get plenty of use.

Stick to a limited colour palette

Most brands will generally have a colour palette that they stick with for each collection, that’s also in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the brand. By adopting the same approach with your closet, you can narrow down the pieces that you own to certain hues that can easily be mixed and matched, which will then make it easier to pull looks together.

Edit, edit, edit

The beauty in having a minimalist wardrobe is that it allows you to narrow your entire closet down to pieces that you’ll a) get plenty of use out of and b) work well together. By having a limited selection of clothes you take being overwhelmed by choice out of the equation as you can see everything you own at a glance. When it comes to decluttering be brutal—only keep versatile, wearable pieces that you know you’ll be able to create multiple outfits out of.

Decluttering sessions are key to a minimalist wardrobe

Shop consciously

This should be everyone’s mantra not just for those who want to take a more minimalist approach to their wardrobe. Start thinking about purchases a little more strategically. By putting careful thought into every buy, not just mindlessly impulse purchasing, you’re able to ensure that your wardrobe works cohesively and that each item of clothing you own works harder.

Think classic

Trends are fun but classic pieces will have greater longevity. Pare your closet down to items that are wearable in multiple ways and styles that won’t date or go out of fashion. By editing your wardrobe to have pieces such as this, you’re able to have less clothes, but more outfits because everything will work just that little more cohesively and have more versatility.

Update seasonally

The great thing about a minimalist wardrobe is that you can be a little more measured in your approach to shopping. You can look at your closet seasonally and review what needs updating instead of constantly dipping your toe into trends that will only last a season.

Are you a minimalist when it comes to your wardrobe?

Fashion

How I plan my outfits

23rd April, 2023

Planning outfits helps me stay organised

I’m an outfit planner. My days are so varied that I like to take wardrobe dilemmas out of the equation as much as possible (that said, I’m not totally immune to a wardrobe crisis here and there) by mapping out my outfits. Some days I’m in full mum mode which means comfort is key but other days where I’m juggling work functions and Date with Kates I need to look a little more polished. Here are a few key ways that I make it work.

I always have inspo at the ready

Planning outfits is made much more stress-free if I have a few looks I’ve seen at my fingertips to inspire me. I tend to collect these as I go along whether it’s saving images on my Instagram or screenshotting particular looks I come across. If I am a bit stumped as to what to wear a quick scroll through these images will immediately get the styling juices flowing.

Wardrobe organisation

If there’s one thing that will make pulling an outfit together easier it’s an organised closet. My wardrobe is organised according to category so jackets together, jeans together and so forth so I know immediately where to look. There’s nothing worse than having a particular outfit in your only to find the shirt that pulls it all together is M.I.A. And to make things even simpler I compartmentalise all the pieces I wear all the time into a section in my wardrobe so I don’t have to search the rest of my closet and mess everything up in order to find what I’m looking for.

Wardrobe organisation is key for a seamless outfit planning session

Having a hero piece

I know some people start with a pair of shoes or a great necklace and work their outfit around that but I like to start with a particular garment whether it be a dress or pants. From there I build on the outfit with a jacket, shoes and bag. I think by just having one key item to start from it helps with creating an entire look rather than just trying to match random pieces together.

Making it versatile

There are times when my day is quite mixed so I need to make sure my outfits are versatile so they’re appropriate for a few different occasions. I sometimes have multiple events in a day so I have to ensure that I only need to change one thing to mix up the look as I don’t often have time to change. This can be as simple as changing the jacket I’m wearing to give the outfit a different vibe.

Giving myself enough time

I’m a planner but there are those people who plan their outfits the night before, even the week before and I’m the first to admit that I can’t work that way. I’d love to be that organised but I find I won’t feel like wearing something if I lay it out beforehand which totally defeats the purpose. So to combat this I try and factor outfit prep into my morning routine so I don’t get frazzled and end up running late. Even just an extra 10-15 minutes of time is enough to pull something together with minimal stress. I don’t want to completely leave it to chance though so I make sure most things I’m likely to reach for are clean and pressed so they’re ready to go.

What are some of your major wardrobe tips? I’d love to hear them so share them in the comments below.

Fashion

The style mantras I live by

1st April, 2023

When I was younger my style was a constant work in project but as I’ve got older I’ve started to really nail down my look. I know what I like and what I don’t and what suits me and what won’t. This has made getting dressed a whole lot easier. This process has also enabled me to start following a few key style mantras. These are the anchor points of my wardrobe and  has helped shape what I wear on a day to day basis and what also what I buy and add to my closet. Every woman will have her own different mantras according to her own personal tastes, however I thought I’d share mine with you all in case it helps you discover your own words to style by.

Always find balance

My style is a constant balancing act. This means if I’m doing one thing such as wearing a shorter skirt then I’ll aim to have a more conservative blouse to even out my look. If I’m wearing a vibrant colour then I’ll try and tone down my accessories so it’s not too overwhelming. I’ve found this has helped me edit my outfits and has given my a basis from which to style them.

Quality over quantity

Given the move towards sustainable fashion I’ve become even more determined to shop for well made pieces with longevity. I try and make considered purchases rather than succumbing to the temptation of an impulse buy. This means that I’ll always leave it a few days before buying anything as it gives me plenty of time to think about how it’s going to work in my wardrobe. I’d rather only buy a tight edit of things a year that I know will last me season after season.

Interesting elements are key

I’ll always try to add one piece in my ensemble whether it’s a killer heel, a statement bag or showstopper earrings that will elevate it. I’ve found that this is often a great way to put my own unique stamp on what I’m wearing and helps give it an injection of personality.

Aim for a polished finish

If you were to ask me what I aim for when I get dressed everyday it would be a polished finish. I always make sure that from head to toe, every garment fits perfectly (which may mean a trip to the tailor to get it altered). As I’m quite on the petite side if I don’t do this I risk looking like I’m swimming in what I’m wearing. Also I don’t forget the little things such as making sure that my bags are always clean, my shoes aren’t scuffed or needing to be resoled or fixed and my jewellery has a classic feel.

Experiment and have fun

Fashion’s meant to be fun. It’s a great way to express myself and play around with different styles and trends, but ultimately I know it’s meant to be an enjoyable part of my life. So this is why I make a point of experimenting with different colours, combinations and brands to find looks that I love to wear and make me feel great every time I walk out the door.

What are your style mantras?

Photography: Sophia Athas

Fashion

How to… elevate neutrals

5th March, 2023

If there’s one thing that I think every wardrobe needs it’s a great assortment of neutrals. They’re ideal for mixing and matching and are ultra versatile, but because of this, they might be considered a little flat or boring. But I think they’re anything but. In fact I think they’re the ultimate workhorses of any wardrobe because not only can they be treated as a blank canvas but they can also be quite impactful by employing accessories or various textures into the mix.

The benefit of working with neutrals is that it provides the perfect base to start with and allows you to elevate them easily with a few simple style tricks. Here’s how to elevate neutrals with ease.

Mixing textures

A great way to bring neutrals to life is to mix textures. By bringing a tactile element into your look whether it’s mixing a soft cashmere with a luxe linen in a neutral shade, you can instantly add a little depth to your look. Also incorporating fabrics like denim and leather into your outfit can easily amp up any neutral tones.

Accessorising

As always accessories are key. Given that neutrals tend to be quite pared back, they can easily be lifted by adding strong accoutrements like jewellery, shoes or bags. This will also allow you to incorporate a few contrasting colours and textures into the mix making for a more impactful outfit.

Colour is a great way to increase the impact of a neutral piece

Adding touches of colour

The beauty of neutral tones is that it acts like a blank canvas and you can easily incorporate touches of colour into it. Choosing strong shades like punchy pinks or deep blues act as the perfect complementary hues, instantly lifting a palette featuring beiges, creams, tans or whites.

Block and ombre styling

Playing with a neutral colour palette and its various shades makes for an eye catching look. You could try working similar neutral shades together for a colour blocking effect — something that was quite prominent at this year’s Fashion Week. Another alternative is working with one neutral colour and incorporating varying shades of it for an ombre effect.

Embrace neutrals in its various iterations

The beauty of neutrals is that it works in almost any form. A sleek neutral blazer adds an elevated seasonal touch to a spring/summer look and works beautifully when layered with other neutrals such as beige, white, tan and fawn. Alternatively a lightweight neutral summer trench works as a great topper with most outfits. Wide leg pants or a simple basic tank or tee are also perfect for this time of year. 

How do you elevate the neutral tones in your wardrobe?

Fashion

How to avoid wardrobe boredom in 2023

28th January, 2023

The start of a new year definitely calls for a fresh start as far as your style goes. Now is the time to ask yourself if you’re genuinely happy with your wardrobe, if not, then change it up. Ultimately I think what you wear should make you happy and make you feel confident, if it doesn’t then it’s time to refocus it and make some adjustments so it does. Wardrobe boredom is never fun, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.

Here are a few great places to start…

Purge your closet

One thing that often gets in the way of refreshing your style and avoiding wardrobe boredom is getting weighed down by all the things in your closet that you don’t truly love, but are taking up space anyway. So do a ruthless edit of your closet and only keep the things that flatter you, and as a result, make you feel good as well. By playing within a smaller, more refined selection of clothing, you’ll be able to discover new outfit combinations and find something that makes you look amazing.

Find your icons

Pinpoint the people whose style you admire and identify what it is that you like about their look. Is it the colours they wear? The shapes they gravitate to? The accessories they weave into their outfits? Once you’ve found these common threads, look at how you can work it into your existing wardrobe.

Do closet rotations

Whatever the eye sees is often what we end up wearing so it’s a good idea to rotate what’s in your closet every few months so you can ensure that the pieces that have been at the back, are now front and centre. By simply rotating your clothes, you’ll be able to gives some other sections of your wardrobe a chance to see the light of day!

Look at what you spend your days doing

It’s not uncommon to find that your wardrobe doesn’t necessarily match what you actually do every day. This is often the case for example with new mums who may find that they’ve got a closet full of gorgeous work or party clothes, but wear the same pair of jeans over and over again because nothing else works for their current lifestyle. If this sounds like you, look at what your wardrobe actually needs, as opposed to what you think it needs and re-jig your style working with those key pieces.

Incorporate a fashion challenge in your week

Reverting to the same failsafe outfit combinations is great, but occasionally it’s a good idea to expand your sartorial horizons in order to evolve and refresh your look. To avoid a wardrobe rut, assign yourself the occasional day in your week where you challenge yourself to incorporate a particular print in your look or wear a certain colour. This will encourage you to look at your wardrobe in new ways, and help you rediscover forgotten pieces.

 

Fashion

What I’m culling from my wardrobe this year

14th January, 2023

I always like to do a wardrobe clear-out a few times a year and having felt the urge to get my closet organised recently (blame the new year!) inspired me to take a good hard look at what’s currently in there. And let me tell you, there’s pockets of my closet that are in definite need of a little culling.

I find it’s always good to take stock of what you own every season, just to make sure that you’re not hoarding anything unnecessary that’s eating into valuable wardrobe space. I don’t have endless space to house my clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, and I’m sure most women can relate to this never ending mission to just try and fit everything in without it falling on top of you every single morning.

I had my closet reworked a few years ago and of course, I’ve managed to accumulate more things between then and now, which has left me with less room. So, in the interests of organisation I’ve decided that these are some areas of my closet that I’m going to be ruthless and cull.

Workout gear

Who has more workout clothes than days they actually, well work out? I’ve got way too much exercise gear. I got some great new pieces during lockdown and throughout last year and love them, but there are some things floating around in my closet that have probably seen one workout too many. Or there are some that I just simply don’t wear anymore. I have too many pieces and I wear the same ones to death. Also, trainers! I need to get rid of old pairs I don’t really use anymore as they’re just taking up precious real estate. I’m planning to pick the key pieces I know I always wear and either bin those that are too ratty and old or donate the things that are barely worn but are still in good shape.

Black shoes

I have a black shoe obsession. I’ve realised I have way too many black shoes. I know they’re versatile but honestly, who needs more than a few key pairs of black shoes. I think a great pair of heels, boots, sandals, slides are essentials and the rest I’ll have to assess in terms of how often I actually wear them.

I’m making a pledge to only keep the pieces I truly love and wear often

Lounge wear

My lounge wear and casual wear build up quite quickly (particularly during lockdown, when I was pretty much living in them most of the year). Things like my t-shirts and singlets can get old really easily as I wear them all the time but that also means I need to make a more concerted effort to replace them when they do start to look bad. So I’ve made a pledge to myself that once they’ve had their day it’s time to let them go, even if it’s a fave.

Summer dresses

Summer has made me realise that I’m harbouring a ton of little cotton dresses that don’t get worn much but I’ve been hanging onto for some reason. These dresses are great for a little while but they don’t often last the test of time. They pill, they fade, they lose their shape, so I think it’s time I ditched the ones in bad shape as I know I’m not going to wear them again.

Identifying these key areas has really reminded me that it’s important to shop strategically to avoid just buying and stockpiling the same things over and over again. And also financially, it doesn’t make sense to waste money on mindless purchases that may only end being culled later on. I’m making a pledge to get maximum wear out of my wardrobe this year and to do this, I think I need to start with the pieces I really love and wear often. And this wardrobe clear-out was a great place to start.

What areas of your wardrobe are you guilty of hoarding? What are some things you’re planning to cull from your wardrobe this year?
Fashion

How to change up your style this year

7th January, 2023

The start of another year marks also the start of another 12 months of getting dressed day in and day out which begs the question: are you happy with your style? If you’ve been feeling as if something is lacking in the fashion department of late and you need something to help you get excited about your wardrobe again then you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few easy ways to change up your look this year with minimal fuss.

Challenge yourself to use something you wear infrequently

We all have those pieces in our closet that we still like but admittedly don’t wear all that often. So this year, make an effort to put those pieces into rotation. Often you can end up wearing the same things from your wardrobe all the time that incorporating something into your look that doesn’t get used frequently can make it feel new again.

Learn to play with accessories more

Accessories are honestly one of the easiest ways to inject some new life into your existing wardrobe. A pair of statement earrings here, a necklace there or a great pair of sunglasses can really lift an outfit and make it feel fresh.

Try different silhouettes

Of course we all have our favourites as far as the style of clothing we go for goes but sometimes that can get a little monotonous. So why not try working with different silhouette styles? Relaxed pieces as opposed to fitted, long instead of shirt, dresses instead of pant—these are all easy ways to inject a little different style into your life.

Look to your style icons

A style refresh needs a little outfit inspiration to get it going. So why not check out what the women whose style you admire are doing? Often a quick scroll through your fave blogs or Instagram accounts can help you hone in on a few new trends to try and looks worth experimenting with.

Broaden your colour palette

It’s easy to get caught up wearing the same ol’ colours all the time so this year, make an effort to go beyond your favourites. Try colours you usually wouldn’t wear to help add a new dimension to your fave outfits. Often a little injection of colour here and there can really transform your old favourites.

Tell me—what are some ways you’re trying to change up your style this year?

Fashion, Shop

What I look for before buying anything designer

20th November, 2022

Nothing beats buying a beautiful designer item but they’re often a significant investment so I always make sure I am strategic about what I’m purchasing to ensure there’s no buyer’s remorse involved. If you’re looking to snap up a special piece to treat yourself or are looking to add some key pieces to your wardrobe in the new year, here’s what I always look for…

Is it really popular?

I steer clear of the ‘it’ bag of the season. If I’m shopping for an everyday bag that’s going to be carrying everything from my essentials to my laptop then I make sure that I opt for something that’s a signature item for the brand but not ubiquitous. I don’t like having a designer bag that everyone has because I feel they go in and out of fashion just as quickly as they come in. Plus you don’t want people being able to immediately identify that your bag is from a certain year’s collection. To combat this I always ask the shop assistant if it’s a style they intend to do again so it’s not so identifiable to a particular year.

Finding a unique style

I’m the complete opposite in my approach to evening bags and shoes. If I’m buying something special like a clutch I like to make sure they’re not making further runs of it because I want it to be a one-off. The same rule applies when I’m shopping for statement heels. I want them to be quite unique so I don’t want them coming back season after season.

Anything with interlocking Cs is always a good buy!

Researching what’s out there

I used to do a lot of shopping whenever I went on an overseas trip but these days that’s impossible as a mum, especially now with two little girls to entertain. So most of my designer purchases are made online these days. I always make sure to visit various websites such as Net-a-Porter, Nordstrom and Matches Fashion to see what’s available. One way I make sure I’m only getting up to the minute releases is to click on the ‘What’s New’ section when I’m browsing websites. That way I’ll only be seeing current stock.

Double check the size

Shopping online at the high end e-tailers is often a little easier as doing returns is fairly straightforward if something isn’t quite right. However I always do a check of the size just to be sure it’s the right fit. If it’s true to size generally choosing your normal size will be fine, however if it’s not I always check if I’ve bought the brand before and see if there’s something in my closet that I can cross check the sizing against.

This Gucci clutch will be a go-to for years to come

Always opt for classic

I’m all for taking a fashion risk or two but when you’re making a purchase that’s quite expensive it pays to think longevity. I always opt for neutral colours and opt for classic styles so I know that I’ll end up with something that will last in my wardrobe season after season.

Shop around

Anything by a high end designer is generally going to come with a significant price tag so be prepared to shop around. Check out prices both in-store and online before you buy anything so you can get the best deal. Whilst they’re definitely an investment buy and will (if you choose right) last you for years to come, it still doesn’t hurt to pay the least amount as possible…and hey, anything leftover can always go to another future purchase!

 

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What’s one designer purchase you’ve made that you absolutely love?

Fashion

New ways to wear denim this week

4th September, 2022

I would honestly be lost without denim in my wardrobe. I’m in jeans multiple times a week as it’s the perfect pant to dress up or down without too much fuss. I’ve been known to go from pairing denim with a white tee one minute to a dressy top the next as it’s the ultimate chameleon—it can easily work for multiple occasions.

I’ve shared my tips on buying denim in the past as I think it’s such an essential part of any woman’s wardrobe. Once you’ve found the perfect jeans you’ll never look back. However I’m also loving denim’s various incarnations. Whether it’s a skirt, a lightweight jacket or shirt, there’s no denying that I’ve got a serious case of the blues. So if you’re like me and want a hit of inspo to kickstart your love affair with denim this week then look no further…

 

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A post shared by JULIE SARIÑANA (@sincerelyjules) on

Distressed denim features in a lot of women’s wardrobes but don’t relegate it to being just a casual staple. You can easily dress ripped jeans up by pairing it with a button down shirt and statement flats. Cute tote optional.

 

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A denim skirt is a weekend favourite of mine but this look has me rethinking its purpose. Pop on a blazer and a pair of sandals and you’re instantly in polished territory.

 

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A post shared by CHRISTINE ANDREW (@hellofashionblog) on

You can never ever go wrong with a white shirt and jeans. Tie up your shirt for a more casual look or tuck it in to keep it looking for pulled together. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to dust off your favourite slides as they’re a dream pairing with denim.

 

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A denim jacket is one of my must-have trans-seasonal pieces as they’re so easy to throw on over an outfit. Pair it with a dress, skirt, shorts, you name it.

 

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Just because I love jeans so much I often like to find dressier pieces that I can pair with them so I have an excuse to wear them to an event. A simple jacket thrown over jeans can easily take it into more polished territory with minimal fuss.

 

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Denim on denim (on denim in this case!) can be tricky to pull off but Elle Ferguson manages to make it look easy. Look for graduating shades for a cool ombre effect.

 

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A post shared by Arielle Noa Charnas (@ariellecharnas) on

One of my favourite go-tos is a feminine blouse/top and jeans. It seriously doesn’t get any easier than that. I’d pair a look like this with heels and I’m ready to go out.

How are you loving styling denim at the moment?

Fashion

5 things to make getting dressed this week easier

24th August, 2022

A little outfit planning goes a long way

Morning wardrobe dilemmas are a common occurrence for most women. And it can be downright stressful. Anyone who has ever found themselves running late, only to lose the very shirt they wanted to wear will know how it can get your day off to a bad start. So the best way to get around this is to do a bit of forward planning.

You can plan as little or as much as you want but if there’s one thing I know it’s that getting your outfit sorted ahead of time can shave minutes off your getting ready time (more time in bed!). It also avoids that situation where you walk out the door and immediately regret what you’re wearing but you’re cutting it too close to change. If you want to avoid last minute panic tomorrow then take note of the following five things…

Designate Sunday as your ‘get organised’ day

You can pick any day you want but Sunday is great because it’s the start of the week. Look at your diary, pinpoint what you have on and then start pulling your looks together. And once you know the outfits you want to wear it’s a good time to wash everything you’re going to need (don’t add additional stress by doing it the night before!) and iron everything in advance. This way all you have to do in the morning is get dressed and walk out the door.

Do a wardrobe clean up

Nothing will stand in the way of you and a drama-free week of outfit planning than a closet that’s overflowing. A little wardrobe organisation goes a long way as it takes away the stress of having to locate clothing in a pile of unidentifiable shirts. My foolproof way to organise my clothes is to take everything out and do a cull to start with. Once I’ve done an edit leaving me with only the clothes I’m loving and using, I will organise them into categories. So jeans go in one spot, activewear in another, blazers, coats and so forth. This means I can see everything and instantly know what I have to work with.

A designated rail is a great way to keep your outfits organised

Put everything in a designated area

If you’ve gone to all the effort of planning your outfits there’s no point putting them all back in your cupboard only to have to find them again throughout the week. If you’ve got room in your home, I really like the idea of having a designated rail to hang all your looks for the week. This can include everything from clothes to shoes and accessories. If you’re a bit tight on space, try hanging your outfits together on one side of your closet so you can easily find them.

Set yourself a challenge

It can become quite tedious to just wear the same things over and over again so why not set yourself a style challenge each week. I have one here that you could try or simply come up with your own. It can be anything from wear one animal print item or wear an all-white outfit. The key is to get your creative juices flowing and think beyond your usual fashion repertoire.

Rethink an old favourite

I’ve got a few old faves in my closet which I wear to death. I usually know off the top of my head what they will go with and end up in the same looks. And whilst this is great for those days when I just can’t be bothered thinking of what to wear, it can sometimes get boring. So, to get around this I’m trying to take the old faithfuls in my wardrobe and wear them in different ways. Whether it’s pairing it with a different colour or a skirt as opposed to jeans, I’m making the effort to rejig the classics I own to keep them fresh.

What are some things you do to make getting dressed throughout the week easier?